As a therapist, I dread the weeks leading up to someone’s anniversary. Especially, if their expectations of their “recovery” are not the same as their reality. This is a very painful place to be in and a hard place to hold space for. Directly after a big trauma you get a lot of healing quickly. You relearn to sit up, walk, eat on your own, and communicate, albeit slowly. As fundamental as these activities are they are still HUGE milestones. The first few months are filled with relief on all sides. Everyone on your team, from your family, to your doctors, to yourself are thrilled that you are alive. It permeates every single gesture and movement and celebration is not only easy, but difficult to refrain from. This gratitude and energy is one part of my job I cherish most. To see someone lift their head and look at me with clear understanding for the first time does something to your heart and soul. It really is a miraculous re-birth.
